GTO in the snow

I find it easier to drive in the snow with the traction controll OFF. It seems to put me in danger by cutting out the gas. You need to spin the wheels in some conditions and I know how to drive in the snow.

i will flip back and forth between traction control on and off in the snow depending on the conditions/situations. For the most part i think having a manual vs automatic is the cause of such varying experiences in the snow. Ive never had any problems with mine, and have taken it out in 6inches before. It really just takes experience and planning ahead, and the car does fine.

However the reall problem is the other drivers on the road, hence why im hoping to get a DD foul weather car here in the next week or so. The people are just plain scary out here.

I'm curious as to how the OP was able to get around last week? We got snowed up pretty good in the last week, and my GTO was pretty much rendered useless and unable to move. I couldn't even get to work last monday. That day I went and bought a '94 Integra for a beater. I'd rather drive the ricemobile than risk snow, salt, accidents and rust happening to my GTO. So now it's in the driveway, covered with snow, but better than it sitting in the driveway, covered with salt and snow.

Here you go LS Won:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/pts/948313420.html

These will fit too, and come with wheels that fit perfect (though you'd want some hubcentric rings, which I have in stock):

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/pts/945365954.html

I've been driving mine in the snow and ice here in Montana and so far it's been easy. I actually feel more comfortable in this car than in the Jeep I used to have. I think the weight of this car helps a lot.
I don't understand how some of you save enough on insurance a month to buy a beater. You must pay ot the ass for insurance. Theres no way I could buy a beater with what I would save in 6 months. I might be able to buy a set of tires...lol

I also had very little trouble getting around in my GTO the first winter I had it, on stock tires. That said, I know it would have been MUCH safer with dedicated snow tires. The 52/48 weight distribution of the GTO is good, but can be helped a bit by adding no more than about 100lbs (45kg) to the trunk.

I took mine on a trip from central MA (where I live) to Buffalo NY once. It was a raging snowstorm all along the NY State Thruway; some 6" of snow was on the ground by the time I reached the Rochester area. Along the way, I passed a counted 5 SUV's off the road, all but one at off ramps. Not one standard car was off.

A judicious use of the T/C button works best. Sometimes on, but off when I needed to start out. Someone else put it best with "drive like there's and egg under the throttle."

This is my second winter driving the goat in wisconsin. I've used snow tires on the back, and know I should probably get another set on the front as well. However, has anyone ever gotten stuck in a ditch to where they need a tow? My buddy has a big truck with rope that I know would be able to pull me out of anywhere, but with the GTOs low bumper, I feel like hooking the rope up to the frame or axle in anyway would put alot of stress on the front or rear bumper when the rope tightened possibly causing it to crack. Has anyone been pulled out using tow rope and did it work out alright?

yea, you're either gonna rip off the front bumper or really smurf up the rear bumper on an 04 or rip off the rear insert on an 05-06

Why don't the GTO's have a tow hook fastening point like all BMW's (and most other European cars) have? Those tow points are great for pulling a car up onto a ramp/flatbed truck without damaging any of the suspension bits.

Finally got some snow tires. What a difference. Night and day. Its actually manageable now. I have come to the conclusion that they can be driven in the snow. I wish I didnt have to but it is what it is. Thanks for all the feedback. Winter is going to be fun!!

my version of snow tires that I bought was a '94 Acura Integra. $900 + my X-Box 360. I miss the goat, but it's not getting covered in salt, only snow.

I had my first winter experience in my 2005 GTO today.

Before I start let me say I am 31 and have been driving (and racing) manual transmission cars since I was 16 year round in Missouri winters. I've NEVER had an auto accident. Most of my cars have been sports cars, two of them being front wheel drive all the others rwd. I currently own my Trans Am, GTO, and a 2000 malibu.

We got some ice last night (please keep reading rather than just saying "ice is different"). My driveway is short but is a pretty decent slope. The whole neighborhood is on a slight grade although I don't call it a "hill".

While driving home from work I had to back down a city block today because I simply could not move forward from the stop sign I was at which was on a slight hill. Based on experience, I tried first letting the clutch out with no gas in both 1st and 2nd, then also using a little wheel spin, then finally backing up a few feet and trying for momentum. It was all a no go.

After finding a different route home I discovered I couldn't even begin to get in my driveway. The best I got was 2 front wheels about 3 feet up the hill, rears still on the road spinning. So after trying a few different techniques to get in the drive way I decided to just park on the road in front of the house, right behind my chevy Malibu (which my other half drives).

At this point I came inside and thought about it and said to myself "this is ice, even AWD and FWD vehicles don't fair well on ice. I was semi satisfied with this till I needed to get out for some shopping. I started up the Malibu and left the spot with no wheel spin to my suprise. Out of curiosity I then took it to the same stop sign I couldn't leave from with the GTO. No problem with the Malibu. I did my 80 mile trip to shop and came home with 3 bags of salt, determined to at least get my GTO in to the garage. I salted the entire driveway and could hear the ice crackling as it melted.

I got in the GTO, turned the wheels slightly to the left to go around the malibu, and slowly let out the clutch. This time I moved about 2 feet (without my foot on the throttle) and just sat still spinning the wheels with me feet not touching any of the pedals. After a second attempt this time using a good amount of wheel spin I got past the Malibu and aimed at the drive way. To complete my story after putting two 20lb bags on salt on my drive way I was able to get in the garage after about 4 attempts.

I write all of this for a few reasons. First I'm confident that in my 15 years of winter driving in everything from RX7's to my lowered modified Trans Am, I am a competent winter driver.

It is as plain as night and day, the difference between a car like the GTO and an average FWD car like my Malibu. Sure, many of winters I have passed SUV's in the ditch in my Trans Am, I've passed all sorts of people who are off in medians during snow and rain storms. Those people coudn't drive in the bad weather, it had nothing to do with my Trans Am or any of my other cars being better in the bad weather. There will always be the idiots with their cruise on in inclimate weather.

This all being said, I plan to continue to drive my GTO this winter. I will have to choose my routes carefully, and accept that some nights I may not be able to get up the drive way. I just want those who are wondering how the car does in the snow/ice to get a clear picture of the difference.

As a side note: My traction control is all but useless when it is this slick out. I decided to put it on today to see how hard it would try to control wheel spin. I drove about 3/4 of a city block spinning the tires and with the car held sideways with the T/C on and the throttle at about 25-30% After a block or so it stopped even giving me the "low traction" warning pic on the center display. I had to turn it off to verify that it had been on.

Stock tires? I would invest in some good winter tires for the Goat and see how much of a difference it makes over the stock tires.

Quote: Originally Posted by RadTech... I had my first winter experience in my 2005 GTO today. Before I start let me say I am 31 and have been driving (and racing) manual transmission cars since I was 16 year round in Missouri winters. I've NEVER had an auto accident. Most of my cars have been sports cars, two of them being front wheel drive all the others rwd. I currently own my Trans Am, GTO, and a 2000 malibu. We got some ice last night (please keep reading rather than just saying "ice is different"). My driveway is short but is a pretty decent slope. The whole neighborhood is on a slight grade although I don't call it a "hill". While driving home from work I had to back down a city block today because I simply could not move forward from the stop sign I was at which was on a slight hill. Based on experience, I tried first letting the clutch out with no gas in both 1st and 2nd, then also using a little wheel spin, then finally backing up a few feet and trying for momentum. It was all a no go. After finding a different route home I discovered I couldn't even begin to get in my driveway. The best I got was 2 front wheels about 3 feet up the hill, rears still on the road spinning. So after trying a few different techniques to get in the drive way I decided to just park on the road in front of the house, right behind my chevy Malibu (which my other half drives). At this point I came inside and thought about it and said to myself "this is ice, even AWD and FWD vehicles don't fair well on ice. I was semi satisfied with this till I needed to get out for some shopping. I started up the Malibu and left the spot with no wheel spin to my suprise. Out of curiosity I then took it to the same stop sign I couldn't leave from with the GTO. No problem with the Malibu. I did my 80 mile trip to shop and came home with 3 bags of salt, determined to at least get my GTO in to the garage. I salted the entire driveway and could hear the ice crackling as it melted. I got in the GTO, turned the wheels slightly to the left to go around the malibu, and slowly let out the clutch. This time I moved about 2 feet (without my foot on the throttle) and just sat still spinning the wheels with me feet not touching any of the pedals. After a second attempt this time using a good amount of wheel spin I got past the Malibu and aimed at the drive way. To complete my story after putting two 20lb bags on salt on my drive way I was able to get in the garage after about 4 attempts. I write all of this for a few reasons. First I'm confident that in my 15 years of winter driving in everything from RX7's to my lowered modified Trans Am, I am a competent winter driver. It is as plain as night and day, the difference between a car like the GTO and an average FWD car like my Malibu. Sure, many of winters I have passed SUV's in the ditch in my Trans Am, I've passed all sorts of people who are off in medians during snow and rain storms. Those people coudn't drive in the bad weather, it had nothing to do with my Trans Am or any of my other cars being better in the bad weather. There will always be the idiots with their cruise on in inclimate weather. This all being said, I plan to continue to drive my GTO this winter. I will have to choose my routes carefully, and accept that some nights I may not be able to get up the drive way. I just want those who are wondering how the car does in the snow/ice to get a clear picture of the difference. As a side note: My traction control is all but useless when it is this slick out. I decided to put it on today to see how hard it would try to control wheel spin. I drove about 3/4 of a city block spinning the tires and with the car held sideways with the T/C on and the throttle at about 25-30% After a block or so it stopped even giving me the "low traction" warning pic on the center display. I had to turn it off to verify that it had been on.

Yeah, i say the gto is fine in the winter. But i do alter the routes i take and deal with the typical rear wheel drive scenarios. I also migrate to my winter parking spot higher up on the slanted parking lot. I keep a shovel and some salt in the trunk. And i shift my work schedule back to avoid traffic. Nothing worse then 15mph in traffic with stop lights every 1/2 mile.

But if i had to describe the GTO in winter: Drunk IceDancer

i'd have to fully agree on that one. it's crazy snowy and icy here (for this part of the country) and i can't commute five minutes to work in the goat. i'm sideways the whole way.

...not that that's a bad thing.

I love my Blizzaks!!! The GTO is great in the snow compared to my old Firebird. We're supposed to get a few inches tonight, so tomorrow should be fun!

I also got a good driving lesson over the weekend. We started getting snow flurries Saturday morning. I had alreaddy decided I was having my oil changed so I took off in the goat. The temp was probably -10 and the wind was blowing 40+mph. There was just enough snowing building on the roads to make a light glaze. I was doing great and had no problems until I got downtown. Between the buildings the wind was gusting like mad. I have never been in a car at a full stop at a red light and had the wind actually push me with my foot on the brake. It was probably the craziest thing I've ever experienced in the GTO next to Hydroplaning on the interstate at 70 with DRs on. I think every light I stopped at saturday morning, my car would start sliding after I stopped. It was unreal. Fortunately I made my trip quick and got to park the Goat for the rest of the weekend.

Sir, I would've soiled my pants!

this thread jinxed me today. I was doing great in the couple inches we got this morning. Only issues were turning left across the snow plow mounds, but it wasnt really an issues since there was few cars on the road... more of personal fun time But when i got to work i decided to follow the snow plow instead of take the normal entrance into work which had was a miserable hill and i would have to cross traffic. I get to the lower parking lot, make my turn and start heading up the hill to the top parking lot (closer to my office). The hill is steep and about 1/4 mile long. I get halfway up doing great, i was yelling "ya baby, do it!!! yaahhooo". Then a truck pulled out in front of me. Causing me to stop. After i got done yelling obsenities into the window, i tried my best to get going but to no avail. I pulled a very fashionable reverse 180, and parked in teh lower lot. first time i have ever gotten stuck on a hill in the gto

lol I got stuck in my mother-in-law's rock driveway in 2" of snow.

Gerry

I keep my factory wheels for dedicated snow tires and that works well. Car handles snow with snow tires as well as can be expected for 400 ft/lbs..... LOL

I do not recommend you driving your goat in the winter I have not been able to get my car down the street for a week now............sad sad stuff 99 toyota corolla FTW!

Haha i hate chicago weather we got about 3-6 inches today..... So i get in my car which was parked on the street started to take off and the whole ass end of the car kept sliding into the curb, as much as i cut it to the left the ass end kept going right to the point were i couldnt even reverse with out going on the curb and jacking my rims, luckily my neighbor was outside and as i gave it gas in 2nd "M6" he pushed the ass end straight so i could get going, long story short i hate driving this car in this weather do to the fact that i dont wanna F up the Ground Effects behind the front and rear wheels with salt rocks do to the wheels on the goats sticking out enough to allow shit to kick up on the paint and body, maybe its time to invest in some mud flaps for the time being or just driving as little as possible. PLEASE SNOW GO AWAY ALREADY.....DAMN

My car came with the Bridgestone 18's which are worthless in the cold, never mind any kind of rain/snow.
Got a set of 17's with the BFG's off ebay, better in the cold and rain. Drove in a little snow last night and the BFG's got me where I was going, but snow tires are what is really needed.

Tires make a world of difference, get the right ones for the right season.

stock tires are not good in snow. But with snow tires and 2 50lb bags of rocks in the trunk I get around pretty good. Getting going from a dead stop on a hill is still a challenge though. And I keep the TC off almost always.

Quote: Originally Posted by TheNew(ish)Goat... I love my Blizzaks!!! The GTO is great in the snow compared to my old Firebird. We're supposed to get a few inches tonight, so tomorrow should be fun!

Compared to my 94 Camaro, the GTO is a dream on the snow. Interesting advice with the sand bags, I put them in the Camaro, but with the hatch you could put them right over the tires. Didn't think it would help much with the goat, but since its recommended, I'll give it a try.

i have 3 65lb sandbags in my trunk and it actually seems to make a minimal difference.

If the snow is not packed, it is manageable. Here in Tulsa it usu turns to ice pack and little to no mobility.
Has any 1 gone down a nice grade and let off the gas. The eng braking makes for a wild ride!

Quote: Originally Posted by theblackgoat... i have 3 65lb sandbags in my trunk and it actually seems to make a minimal difference.

Yeah I am running with 2 60lb bags now and I actually noticed a bigger difference than I expected. I used to get stuck going up slight inclines in light snow when the RE960ASs were brand new last year, and now with 10K+ on them I haven't got stuck once with the extra weight. Once there is over two inches on the roads she is in the garage until the mess is cleaned up though.

Even though I hate driving her in the snow, She is doing great with the winter tires. Pulls through the snow with no problems. Seriously they make a big difference. Not to mention how fun it is. It snowed almost 8 inches here in Chicago and she handled it like a champ. I cant wait to put some weight in the trunk and see how she does. So far I'm happy with how its handling the winter, but I dont know how much more I can take of those dam Salt trucks. I almost feel bad for driving her in this weather.